Best Deal Strategies: Books

I'm the type of gal that likes to pick up books featured in magazines and talk shows. I also buy a lot of to technical books, which can really add up in cost. Traditional stores charge the cover price for books, which can cost a fortune. One way to get around paying full price is to head to your local used book store. We have one here in Houston called Half Price Books. It's great to pop in with a cup of coffee and browse, but you aren't likely to find exactly what you are looking for.

What if I told you that you can access hundreds of used book stores from one website? Well, you can! I stumbled upon alibris.com a while back, and now I always check with them to make sure I'm getting the absolute best price on a book. The shipping is usually well below what you would pay at a traditional store as well. They are more likely to have the media mail option.
This is the last purchase and savings I got from alibris.com:
New List Price: $24.95
Traditional Shipping Costs $ 5.99
Total Cost $30.98

alibris.com price: $ 2.49!
Shipping Costs $ 3.99
Total Cost $ 6.48

Total Savings $24.50

My total was actually 5.48 because I used the coupon code 7W21 for $1 off any order. I got this book in yesterday and it is used, but in great condition. alibris.com also has movies and music. I haven't actually bought a movie or cd from them, but it's worth looking in to for sure.

Here's a list current alibris.com promotions going on right now:
$5 off $50 - Code: NEWS5 (new customers only)
$3 off $30 - Code: NEWS3 (new customers only)
$5 off $60 - Code: ALCOTT expires 3/30/08
$3 off $30 - Code: MITCHELL expires 3/30/08
$10 off $100 - Code: BRONTE expires 3/30/08